Native insect threatens fir, spruce in northern forests

NORTHERN FORESTS - Northern Wisconsin and Upper Michigan will likely see plenty of brown needles and death among some species over the next few years. In Wisconsin, this summer appears to be the worst year yet.

"This is actually a natural cycle, and (people) are going to see, if this thing continues like we expect it might, for the next decade or so, we are going to see dead balsam fir on the landscape," said Michigan DNR Forest Health Specialist Bob Heyd.

The spruce budworm is a native insect which targets balsam fir and white spruce. It has been active in Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula.

Full story: WJFW